When you “go with the flow,” you abdicate control to access emotions to release stress.
The problem is we cannot control our moods: they pass through us, and when safeguards are unleashed, some toxic rage or wallowing despair bubbles up, causing self-damaging behavior.
Yet, we want to be free, lively, and spontaneous, not in a gray, restrictive, robotic life. The paradox is needing control to allow freedom.
Consider going with the flow, similar to surfing or painting: a masterfully developed skill that does not let go as much as channel attentive excitement into expressive action.